Question:

I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?

Only one. For the coldest conditions (winter tailwater fishing, goose hunting in a blizzard, etc.) you can’t beat the warmth of a pair of 5 mm neoprene bootfoot waders. But for anything else, I’d go with a pair of stocking foot waders with a good pair of wading boots. How cold is it where/when you plan to use them? — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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Lou, Like somebody else mentioned, it all depends on where you plan to fish. As for myself, fishing on freestone creeks and doing a good bit of walking, I am a big fan of stockingfoot waders and good wading boots. Reducing the risk of a sprained ankle far outweighs the extra five minutes or so it takes to put them on. Bob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greg I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys? Lou FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.   I see that they’re a heck of a lot cheaper,  and the boots (from the small photo) look  like they might provide better ankle support.

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Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters…..

Granted, it may not be for everyone, but I’ve often waded wet in the various branches of the Ontonagon, Cook’s Run, Big and Little Carps, the Paint, the Fence, both Brules, the Firesteel, several of the Irons, the Sturgeon, and a host of others in the western UP. You get used to it after a while.     Wolfgang numb nu…….well, never mind.

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Wolfgang You R tougher than me.   I’ve tried fishing the SalmonTrout river in nylon windpants and  rubber sandals. Goddddd that water is cold. I need waders! BTW,,you were less than an hour from my home so if you wander this way again send me a E mail first. If you do I’ll buy you a beer and maybe we could consider fishing together. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters….. Granted, it may not be for everyone, but I’ve often waded wet in the various branches of the Ontonagon, Cook’s Run, Big and Little Carps, the Paint, the Fence, both Brules, the Firesteel, several of the Irons, the Sturgeon, and a host of others in the western UP. You get used to it after a while.     Wolfgang numb nu…….well, never mind.

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Greg Over the past year I often loaded  Cabelas Dry Plus bought waders, a chest pack, change of cloths, and some pop into a mid size pack. I’d catty a old wicker creel over one shoulder and carry my rod in a case. I don’t think the whole thing weighted 30 pounds and was no big deal to hike in with. I want to thank everyone here for their advice but I noticed that Cabelas had my old Dry Plus Breathable bought on sale for $100. I probably went fishing 100 + times last year and sure got my money’s worth and liked my old waders. I guess habit/ low price over comes good sense so I bought another pair today.. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?  I spend at least half of my fishing time in water  under 50 degrees or on beaches.   The laced  bootfoots have worked out quite well for that.  They are also easier to deal with: one piece  instead of the 3-5 (counting guards) that I would  be sure to forget one or more of.  The max distance that I have hiked in one day  is probably no more than 4-5 miles.  If I were  going to do some serious off-road hiking to get  to fishing water, I’m pretty sure that I would opt  to carry the waders in, since it would be inevitable  that I would destroy them otherwise (but first I  would have to have some serious work done on  one knee…).  The one disadvantage I  have in using bootfoots is  that I can’t switch between felt and studded soles.  So I used corkers for a while, which I couldn’t stand.  More recently I bought a pair of what looks like old-  fashioned galoshes with studs and a drawstring that  I slip on over the bootfeet (I think that Dan Bailey  distributes them).   They’re much more comfortable  and easy to slog through water in than corkers, but  I don’t believe that they work as well – too much metal  on the bottom so weight isn’t concentrated as well –  and the metal is quite soft, so it is abrading rather  quickly.  I’m pretty sure that I am going to buy another pair  of laced bootfoot waders soon and outfit one pair  with studs.

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why?

Stockingfoot allows you to wear a custom boot that has the best fit (including laces), and also to change boots.

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Stocking foot are best all around for convenience and comfort.Boot foot are best for cold water winter fishing and for fishing the beach.Why choose, it’s best to have both. Regards,  Flypaint(Shawn)

Response:

Hi Lou, I have sold/fitted waders to anglers and hunters for 37 years now, but we specialize in waders for fly fishers now. Today in California we sell 100% stocking foot chest high breathable waders for fly fishing. A few years ago we sold only stocking foot neoprene waders and light weight non-breathable stocking foot waders. Boot foot waders are faster and easier to put on, but you don’t get the ankle support that you get with a lace up boot on a stocking foot wader  for walking long distances in trout streams. Also, it is hard to really fit people well with boot foot waders because you need to get the chest/body size right first, then the right inseam length and then the right boot size. We use to sell neoprene boot foot waders a little, but had them "custom" fitted. If you could order boot foot waders with your body size, inseam length and then a good boot fit, they are great for those fast situation where you don’ walk a lot. The story on hip boots is that everyone I know that has fished with me over the years has gone in over the top during a day of fly fishing in Northern California. It is either chest high stocking foot breathable waders or wade wet in northern California in the summer. We sell a few waist high waders a year now but with the onset of breathables it is not as necessary as it was with non-breathables. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

        stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand.

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

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Guys Thanks to all of you who offered advice. I trust  the wisdom of this NG and will invest in some stocking foot waders and boots. BTW..I live in the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, my old 5mm cold weather/ ice in the  river  waders are still in good shape but my summer ones are shot. I very often pack in my gear including waders on my back and them get organized streamside. Thanks again.. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand. Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

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Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Taking a bottle of alcohol along to the stream has proved more popular it seems. TL MC

Response:

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer Taking a bottle of alcohol along to the stream has proved more popular it seems.

I was refering to the ‘optional’ variety. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Response:

FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.

I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?

I don’t have a second thought – I still prefer stocking foot.  For all the reasons previously mentioned, plus the EEEE show size I need<g. –Stan

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For what it is worth, the latest cabela’s catalog has laceup boot foots as well. Chris Richer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold.  Same in western NY and Ontario. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots.  Before you do you might want to take a quick look  at Orvis’s breathables with lace-up boot foots.

– Chris Richer chrisratnostormspamdotca

Response:

Greg I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys? Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.   I see that they’re a heck of a lot cheaper,  and the boots (from the small photo) look  like they might provide better ankle support.

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Why Lou!  That’s for your annual bonefish trip to the Keys! Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots. Lou

Response:

 Before you do you might want to take a quick look  at Orvis’s breathables with lace-up boot foots.

FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.

Response:

Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For may of the reasons already stated, go stocking foot.  Besides being able to change boot types and properly fit the boot, you can wet wade sans waders with a good boot in hot climes; maximum versatility.  As Bill recommended; go with breathables. Considere neoprene socks when wet wading with boots and keep in mind, some boots like Chota Brookies have removable insoles for use with and without waders. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

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… they are composed of poly-cotton with layers of codura on the knees and ass.  that’s because if you aren’t on the former when you fish, you aint gonna catch any of the latter, in hazel creek.

I fished all day on Hazel Creek, was on my knees most of the time and I STILL didn’t catch any ass. Need another lesson from the master, I guess. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

For may of the reasons already stated, go stocking foot.  Besides being able to change boot types and properly fit the boot, you can wet wade sans waders with a good boot in hot climes; maximum versatility.  As Bill recommended; go with breathables. Considere neoprene socks when wet wading with boots and keep in mind, some boots like Chota Brookies have removable insoles for use with and without waders. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Response:

No reason you can’t use quick-dry long pants.  They even make ones that have zip-off bottoms (i.e. convertible to shorts.)

        actually, my "fishing pants" are what were originally designed as warm weather bird hunting pants:  they are composed of poly-cotton with layers of codura on the knees and ass.  that’s because if you aren’t on the former when you fish, you aint gonna catch any of the latter, in hazel creek.         what the hell, it’s after 6, and it’s been a long day. wayno

Response:

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one.

No reason you can’t use quick-dry long pants.  They even make ones that have zip-off bottoms (i.e. convertible to shorts.)

Response:

stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand.

Good point.  I have used my wading boots without waders on quite a few occasions.

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Question:

Craig, My club does have two different awards at the end of the year – one for the most weight and one for the highest number of fish.  Each participant receives 1 bonus pound per day for participation in the tournament.  Occasionally, different individuals will win the two awards but one person wins both the majority of the time.  We also have a different award for the largest single fish during the year. This system seems to work fine for us.  The winners are usually determined at the last tournament of the year but we occasionally have someone run away with the competition.   Lamar Middleton Winter Haven, FL http://www.LMbassguideFL.com

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I have been reading the Bass Club Point scoring Advice string with interest over hear in England. Why do you not have two competitions. One for the largest fish caught. One for the most fish caught. This would give recognition for the skill of catching prize fish and for consistency and skill at catch the most amount of fish regularly. — Have a great day. Go fly fishing! <  <  <  < <  < <

  <   <   <  <  <  < Craig Moore The English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com

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Question:

Hi, I’m new to fresh water fishing.  I have a dumb question.  Isn’t a steel head just a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger body of water?  Isn’t it the same species? Tony

–What area or state are you fishing in?  Are you going to target steelhead?  If so, let me know what type of gear, fly, bait or lures…I’ll give you some tips that may help you. Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Before you buy.

Response:

Isn’t a steel head just a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger body of water?  Isn’t it the same species?

yes – and it returns to the stream it was hatched to spawn just like salmon, I think. Ronnie http://fishing.about.com

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Hi, I’m new to fresh water fishing.  I have a dumb question.  Isn’t a steel head just a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger body of water?  Isn’t it the same species? Tony

Pretty much. There are different strains though. What makes them different is what water shed they are from. Jay

Response:

I am curious where you came up with the notion that a rainbow is not a trout. A rainbow is a trout is a salmonid.. And a steelhead is a sea run rainbow. Now a brook trout isn’t a trout, but a char. A lake trout is a char….. V.B.

: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii : Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit : Rainbows are not true trout but actually are Salmonids,Oncorhynchus Mykiss. : And yes the Steelhead is the Anadromous-Sea Going-variant of the Rainbow. : This is all old news,do a search of this subject on www.anglingbc.com it’s been : hashed over a number of times.

: Hi, : I’m new to fresh water fishing.  I have a dumb question.  Isn’t a steel : head : just a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger body of : water?  Isn’t it the same species? : : Tony : : Yes : — : Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii : Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit : <!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en" : <html : Rainbows are not true trout but actually are Salmonids,Oncorhynchus Mykiss. : <brAnd yes the Steelhead is the Anadromous-Sea Going-variant of the Rainbow. : <brThis is all old news,do a search of this subject on <a href="rec.outdoors.fishing"www.anglingbc.com</a : it’s been hashed over a number of times.

: <brHi, : <brI’m new to fresh water fishing.&nbsp; I have a dumb question.&nbsp; : Isn’t a steel : <brhead : <brjust a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger : body of : <brwater?&nbsp; Isn’t it the same species? : <br : <brTony : <pYes : <br– : </html —

Response:

I am curious where you came up with the notion that a rainbow is not a trout. A rainbow is a trout is a salmonid.. And a steelhead is a sea run rainbow. Now a brook trout isn’t a trout, but a char. A lake trout is a char…..

Actually several years ago, they reclassified the rainbow as a member of the pacific salmon family so the genus went from Salmo to Onchorynchus (sp?) Tim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m new to fresh water fishing.  I have a dumb question.  Isn’t a steel head just a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger body of water?  Isn’t it the same species? Tony Yes –they are the most exciting fresh water fish you will ever catch

ive caught them from 6" to 20 lbs

Note: To reply to this sender, remove NOJUNK from the email address. Posted Using FishingLife.com News Service "Life was made for fishing!" http://www.fishinglife.com

Response:

Hi, I’m new to fresh water fishing.  I have a dumb question.  Isn’t a steel head just a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger body of water?  Isn’t it the same species? Tony

Yes —

Response:

Rainbows are not true trout but actually are Salmonids,Oncorhynchus Mykiss. And yes the Steelhead is the Anadromous-Sea Going-variant of the Rainbow. This is all old news,do a search of this subject on www.anglingbc.com it’s been hashed over a number of times. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’m new to fresh water fishing.  I have a dumb question.  Isn’t a steel head just a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger body of water?  Isn’t it the same species? Tony Yes —

Response:

Hi, I’m new to fresh water fishing.  I have a dumb question.  Isn’t a steel head just a rainbow trout that has left the river or stream for a larger body of water?  Isn’t it the same species? Tony

Response:

Question:

Hi folks, I haven’t been flyfishing all that long but I have been pretty successful. I don’t have a problem with low backcasts on my 4wt, but when I am casting #4 or #6 bass poppers on my 6wt as I lengthen the cast the backcast drops, often into the water -or even worse, getting caught up in the bushes.  I’m sure there is a pointer or two that you might know to help me out.  Thanks in advance. Padre

You’re probably just taking the rod back too far on the backcast. Pretend that you’re throwing the line straight up into the air. A double haul should help, too. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Hi folks, I haven’t been flyfishing all that long but I have been pretty successful. I don’t have a problem with low backcasts on my 4wt, but when I am casting #4 or #6 bass poppers on my 6wt as I lengthen the cast the backcast drops, often into the water -or even worse, getting caught up in the bushes.  I’m sure there is a pointer or two that you might know to help me out.  Thanks in advance. Padre

Response:

Padre, Quite often an individual in his/her quest for a cast which does not drop/slap on either the forward or backcast actually excertes way too much effort.  This causes one to lose technique (by which I refer to the motion-with-a-stop basic casting stroke) thereby exacerbating the condition. I would suggest that when this first occurs that you relax and focus on stopping your backcast with the thumb of your casting hand pointing straight up.  This is of course a bit extreme but the result would be a backcast which has a higher trajectory (gives your cast more time to complete), a tighter loop (enables the line to better move that wind-resistant popper!) and restores control of this situation back to you. Remember that casting heavy (chuck-and-duck) or wind-resistant fly’s that the casting motion becomes deliberately slower and longer.  Try to cast one too fast and you would be more likely to butt end load the flyrod causing a larger loop, tired arm and quite possible the fly would ‘tic’ the flyrod causing it to break. Regards, Roger Mihara – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks, I haven’t been flyfishing all that long but I have been pretty successful. I don’t have a problem with low backcasts on my 4wt, but when I am casting #4 or #6 bass poppers on my 6wt as I lengthen the cast the backcast drops, often into the water -or even worse, getting caught up in the bushes.  I’m sure there is a pointer or two that you might know to help me out.  Thanks in advance. Padre

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Question:

I’ll be taking a trip to Los Angeles next week.  Anyone know of places near LA/SD for saltwater fly fishing?    Mu Young Lee         Ann Arbor,MI  o             oooo                          o   o   o o   o o o  o

Response:

King harbour, Redondo Beach, renown for 1/2 bonita on the fly.  See "inside Angler"

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Question:

Several people have entered into a purposeful discussion of the best way to use two flies……   related comment, but not on topic exactly…. I drove a very good friend of mine to the hospital with the second hook  ( the one not in the fish) deeeeeeeppppply embedded in his finger.    This hook was driven into his finger when the 10 pound steelhead he reach for… suddenly thrashed about.   Months later, infection etc… he still has scars…. I fish with only one fly now…. Alan E. Hoover

Yep, had that happen also Alan.  I was posing with a nice rainbow for a photo when the dropper with PT nymph flicked onto my index finger of my dominate hand.  When the shutter clacked the fish went flying and I got the hook deep. It took me a couple of hours to cut that thing out with the fileting knife during lunch break.  It sure was hard casting with that thing in there the remainder of the morning. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley         2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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Several people have entered into a purposeful discussion of the best way to use two flies……   related comment, but not on topic exactly…. I drove a very good friend of mine to the hospital with the second hook  ( the one not in the fish) deeeeeeeppppply embedded in his finger.    This hook was driven into his finger when the 10 pound steelhead he reach for… suddenly thrashed about.   Months later, infection etc… he still has scars…. I fish with only one fly now…. Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*

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It took me a couple of hours to cut that thing out with the fileting k Damn, Burton.  Fishing must have been slow if you took a couple of hours for lunch break!  :^) I saw a flyfishing show over the weekend that featured atlantic salmon fishing in Iceland.  They have an interesting regulation there.  The stream must be "rested" from 11:00am until 4:00pm (that means no fishing of any kind) every day.  Of course, at that latitude daylight goes until 10:00pm so there is plenty of time.

That’s an intresting concept.  It might be worth trying on some of our streams in the summer.  Different hours though. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley           2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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It took me a couple of hours to cut that thing out with the fileting knife during lunch break.  It sure was hard casting with that thing in there the remainder of the morning. Damn, Burton.  Fishing must have been slow if you took a couple of hours for lunch break!  :^) Tight Lines, preferably attached to ‘fish’, Charley

Nah, actually it was a good morning – pretty long.  It was just a long slow process cautiously getting down to the barb.  I’m no surgeon and had to wing it.  My fishing partner was taking a nap.  When I got ready to attempt pulling it out, I left the camper so I wouldn’t wake him if I yelled.  I grabbed it with tweezers and it popped right out.  That was the only one I forgot to pinch the barb on – talk about fate and retribution. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley           2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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Several people have entered into a purposeful discussion of the best way to use two flies……   related comment, but not on topic exactly….

Fishing a team of 2 or 3 flies is common in Ireland and Scotland especially where Seatrout and Salmon are expected on the same water. I invariably fish a double or triple hooked Salmon pattern on the tail with two droppers for Seatrout. If it is blowing a full gale and I start to tangle I might cut one dropper off. I have one friend who regularly fishes a team of 4 flies but he is so expert that he has the nickname of "Tightlines" I drove a very good friend of mine to the hospital with the second hook  ( the one not in the fish) deeeeeeeppppply embedded in his finger.    This hook was driven into his finger It took me a couple of hours to cut that thing out with the fileting knife during lunch break.

This hooking yourself business has cropped up before but I’ll say it again anyway. You do not have to go to the surgery or take a knife to yourself. Put your thumb very firmly on the eye end of the hook. Tie a bit of stout lanyard around the bend of the hook and give a firm pull away from the direction of the hook’s entry. You have to be bold. It works. There’s a bit of blood and it hurts, but you will be fishing again in 5 minutes. Mind you I’ve never tried it with a hook in the eye or eyelid. Has anyone ? — Ian McCowen – Polwarth Manse, Greenlaw, Berwickshire TD10 6YR SCOTLAND (fine old books on Shooting, Fishing, Natural History bought & sold)

Response:

It took me a couple of hours to cut that thing out with the fileting knife during lunch break.  It sure was hard casting with that thing in there the remainder of the morning.

Damn, Burton.  Fishing must have been slow if you took a couple of hours for lunch break!  :^) Tight Lines, preferably attached to ‘fish’, Charley

Response:

Here in Taupo we regularly use two nymphs on the bigger rivers. The first nymph is very heavy, we are not allowed to add lead to the line, and the second nymph, lighter. The second nymph is invariably tied off to the bend of the first hook, about 12 to 18 inches behind. If casting where it is possible, the best technique is to allow the nymphs to hit the water on the back cast, this ‘water haul’ helps to straighten out the line and fully load the rod. As several others have noted, try and cast an open loop, and also try and change the ‘plane’ at which the rod moves from the forward to back cast. Even so it is all pretty ugly to purist casters, but it gets the job done. We also tend to use shooting heads or weight forward tapers that have a short forward section. Despite all the above this type of casting is called here, chuck and duck, definitely a hard hat area. — Tony Bishop Fish with Bish Taupo New Zealand – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I : cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle : up all the time.  I cast short, not much longer than the lenght of the : leader and the leader that the fly is on (the shorter one) tends to wrap : around the leading one.  I tried using a thicker line, a realy short one : too; did not really help much.  I tried to tie the second leader to the : base of the hook, I tried the eye of the hook; if I use thin tippet and : I kept loosing flies when setting the hook(poor fish..) Is there a knot : I could use that will prevent that?  Or what should I do?  Thanx for any : advice, Arek.

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Burton,         your ability to control the situation ends when a fish takes         one of the flies.  That’s when the worst tangles happen. Yeah, especially when a big fish is making a run and that second fly gets it’s barb caught on a rock.  Argh…!

        Etched forever in my memory is such an experience with a large         rainbow on the Madison River.  I was fishing a salmon fly with         an X-Caddis on a dropper.  The fish took the caddis (as usual),         and just when things were approaching the point where I was         thinking about a net, the fish made a pass by the boat and the         salmon fly got caught on the anchor line.  The salmon fly came         to an abrupt halt.  The fish, caddis fly and dropper didn’t.         I just stared at the errant salmon fly for some time, trying         to fully absorb the reality of the situation.  The image is         still vivid.         In fishing, as with everything else, there is no such thing as         a free lunch.  Fishing two flies may well double, or at least         increase the probability of hooking a fish, but there is a         price to be paid.  That being said, I still do it on a regular         basis.                                         Tom Hewlett-Packard Laboratories                     Phone: (970) 229-3531 External Research Program                          FAX: (970) 229-6198 3404 East Harmony Road Fort Collins, CO 80525-9599

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I : cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle : up all the time.  I cast short, not much longer than the lenght of the : leader and the leader that the fly is on (the shorter one) tends to wrap : around the leading one.  I tried using a thicker line, a realy short one : too; did not really help much.  I tried to tie the second leader to the : base of the hook, I tried the eye of the hook; if I use thin tippet and : I kept loosing flies when setting the hook(poor fish..) Is there a knot : I could use that will prevent that?  Or what should I do?  Thanx for any : advice, Arek. : Arek: :    The only thing I could add to the previous post is that you may : need to pay more attention to your casting. Open that casting loop a : bit so that you’re not throwing a very tight loop and you sure need to : make sure that the back cast is fully extended before starting the : forward cast so that east doesn’t meet west. I generally will use the : same diameter tippet for the point fly as I’m using for the top one. : Jim There is some debate whether to put the heavy fly at the end or the lighter fly.  My experience is that if you cast a tighter loop, put the small fly on the end.  If you can cast a wider loop, put the heavy fly at the end. Pete

Use a lob cast or a circle cast. Very few tangles using two flies with these casts. –tony

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I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time. –I tie a Bimini twist, snip the loop at lengths desire for top and

dropper.  I works really well. dj

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2 nymphs…deadly, but beware. Your chances of foul hooking the fish as he rejects the first fly is hugely increased.  Your chances of mortally wounding the fish as the trailer wraps in its gills is also greatly increased.   Not that you should worry…just truth.  One whitefish this weekend had a nice 6cm gash in its belly from being foul hooked on my dropper #20 coachman, guts visible.  kilt it. smoked it. et it. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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: I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I : cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle : up all the time.  I cast short, not much longer than the lenght of the : leader and the leader that the fly is on (the shorter one) tends to wrap : around the leading one.  I tried using a thicker line, a realy short one : too; did not really help much.  I tried to tie the second leader to the : base of the hook, I tried the eye of the hook; if I use thin tippet and : I kept loosing flies when setting the hook(poor fish..) Is there a knot : I could use that will prevent that?  Or what should I do?  Thanx for any : advice, Arek. : Arek: :    The only thing I could add to the previous post is that you may : need to pay more attention to your casting. Open that casting loop a : bit so that you’re not throwing a very tight loop and you sure need to : make sure that the back cast is fully extended before starting the : forward cast so that east doesn’t meet west. I generally will use the : same diameter tippet for the point fly as I’m using for the top one. : Jim There is some debate whether to put the heavy fly at the end or the lighter fly.  My experience is that if you cast a tighter loop, put the small fly on the end.  If you can cast a wider loop, put the heavy fly at the end. Pete

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I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.  I cast short, not much longer than the lenght of the leader and the leader that the fly is on (the shorter one) tends to wrap around the leading one.  I tried using a thicker line, a realy short one too; did not really help much.  I tried to tie the second leader to the base of the hook, I tried the eye of the hook; if I use thin tippet and I kept loosing flies when setting the hook(poor fish..) Is there a knot I could use that will prevent that?  Or what should I do?  Thanx for any advice, Arek.

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I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.  I cast short, not much longer than the lenght of the leader and the leader that the fly is on (the shorter one) tends to wrap around the leading one.  I tried using a thicker line, a realy short one too; did not really help much.  I tried to tie the second leader to the base of the hook, I tried the eye of the hook; if I use thin tippet and I kept loosing flies when setting the hook(poor fish..) Is there a knot I could use that will prevent that?  Or what should I do?  Thanx for any

I fish this way most of the time.  The "dropper" leader is usually lighter than my main leader because the fly is always smaller.  I use no special knot, but have seen a blood knot reccomended, as well as the Surgeon’s knot. The length of the dropper leader should be around 4 inches (18 inches up the leader from the "point fly"), much longer than this and it twist around the main leader, too short and it takes action out of the dropper fly.  I think the key is not to have a weighted fly on the dropper.  Just a small nymph, wet or emerger. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley           2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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Arek, You can you use what ever size tippet you prefer and secure it to the gape of the first hook with a regular old improved clinch Knot.  Or you can place a loop somwhere in your leader and attach the two leaders loop to leader loop…no knot. They will tangle once in awhile…It wouldn’t be fly fishing if you didn’t get a tangle or two now and then.  One the leader material starts to become twisted…replace it right away….will prevent snarls. Good luck.  Email me with any questions.Works for me…I am sure there are probably other methods…we do not usually false cast these set-ups much… Regards, James Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.  I cast short, not much longer than the lenght of the leader and the leader that the fly is on (the shorter one) tends to wrap around the leading one.  I tried using a thicker line, a realy short one too; did not really help much.  I tried to tie the second leader to the base of the hook, I tried the eye of the hook; if I use thin tippet and I kept loosing flies when setting the hook(poor fish..) Is there a knot I could use that will prevent that?  Or what should I do?  Thanx for any advice, Arek.

Hi Arek I’ve always used and "in-line dropper system." Start by tying on your first fly, then tie an 18" or so piece of tippet to the bend of the first hook. Tie your second fly on the second piece of tippet. I use a Unit Knot or Clinch Knot (improved). I have fished up to three flies in this manner but two are easier to cast. Also you can fish a dry fly as your first fly with a nymph under it using the dry as your strike indicator. Or for old folks like me whose eyes are not as good as they used to be use a larger dry fly with a real small dry fly as the dropper. The bigger dry will give you a fairly good idea where the small fly is located. Good Tying & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products http://www.btsflyfishing.com Tiemco quality hooks, under $6.00 pkg/50

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I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.  I cast short, not much longer than the lenght of the leader and the leader that the fly is on (the shorter one) tends to wrap around the leading one.  I tried using a thicker line, a realy short one too; did not really help much.  I tried to tie the second leader to the base of the hook, I tried the eye of the hook; if I use thin tippet and I kept loosing flies when setting the hook(poor fish..) Is there a knot I could use that will prevent that?  Or what should I do?  Thanx for any advice, Arek.

Hello Arek, I have experienced the same problems as you describe. The best (to date) solution for me is to tie the first nymph to the end of the tippet and then attach a second piece of tippet to the bend of the first nymph with an improved cinch knot. I use 18 to 24 inches of tippet and tie on the second nymph. Using heavy nymphs requires a special technique – the chuck and duck. You might want to experiment on the placement of the heavier nymph– first or second fly. I also use the technique with the first fly being a dry fly and the second either a small nymph, soft hackle, or in some cases, another too small-to-see dry fly. The first fly becomes a fishing strike indicator. Good luck and let us know how your experimenting works out. Vic’s Fly-By-Night http://www.navicom.com

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Arek writes, in part: <<I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time…… In Maine, it is illegal to use split shot with a fly.  So, I first tie on a bead head (or other weighted nymph) and tie my "intended lure" onto the bead head’s hook bend with about two feet of tippet of the *same* size.  I have no problems with the flies getting tangled — they are for all intents and purposes a single strand.  With this method, I can experiment with the size of the bead head to get deeper or shallower depending on the type water I am fishing.  Another way to do it, and it is easier, is to tie on about 2-3 feet of tippet using a double surgeon’s knot or barrell knot and leave a foot or less of the tag end intact — i.e., do not cut the tag end short.  This works just as well as the first method and is easier to tie.  I sometimes use a large dry fly (#12 Elk Hair Caddis tied with CDC feathers) tied to the leader and about 2 feet of tippet (same size!) tied to it’s hook bend, with an appropriate caddis nymph tied on as the dropper.  The dry fly then acts as a strike indicator —  I once caught a small brookie on the dry fly and while landing it, a larger brookie took the Rhyacophila nymph!  I lost the larger trout, but managed to land the little fella — fun and games when you have two on at once!! Sorry for the rambling reply, but I hope it helps. Good drifts, Paul LaCourse  

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I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.  I cast short, not much longer than the lenght of the leader and the leader that the fly is on (the shorter one) tends to wrap around the leading one.  I tried using a thicker line, a realy short one too; did not really help much.  I tried to tie the second leader to the base of the hook, I tried the eye of the hook; if I use thin tippet and I kept loosing flies when setting the hook(poor fish..) Is there a knot I could use that will prevent that?  Or what should I do?  Thanx for any advice, Arek.

Arek:    The only thing I could add to the previous post is that you may need to pay more attention to your casting. Open that casting loop a bit so that you’re not throwing a very tight loop and you sure need to make sure that the back cast is fully extended before starting the forward cast so that east doesn’t meet west. I generally will use the same diameter tippet for the point fly as I’m using for the top one. Jim

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Arek, I have tried fishing two flies, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.         your ability to control the situation ends when a fish takes         one of the flies.  That’s when the worst tangles happen.

Yeah, especially when a big fish is making a run and that second fly gets it’s barb caught on a rock.  Argh…! -Burton — L. Burton Hawley         2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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Burton,         your ability to control the situation ends when a fish takes         one of the flies.  That’s when the worst tangles happen. Yeah, especially when a big fish is making a run and that second fly gets it’s barb caught on a rock.  Argh…!         The salmon fly came         to an abrupt halt.  The fish, caddis fly and dropper didn’t.         I just stared at the errant salmon fly for some time, trying         to fully absorb the reality of the situation.  The image is         still vivid.

That’s why I added the Argh!  I’ve had this happen a couple of times, once with a nice steelhead on.  Image my embarrasment when I finally realized I was fighting a rock.  You are right the image is very vivid. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley           2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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Arek, I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.

        What I do is tie the larger of the two flies to the end of the         tippet, then tie a second tippet to the eye of the first fly.         The second tippet is usually about 18" long, and often of a         smaller diameter than the first tippet.  The second fly is         tied to the end of the second tippet.  This method does not         seem to have a significant effect on drift or hooking.         Tangles are almost impossible to avoid if a dropper is used.         Most casting tangles can be avoided with a bit of care, but         your ability to control the situation ends when a fish takes         one of the flies.  That’s when the worst tangles happen.                                         Tom Hewlett-Packard Laboratories                     Phone: (970) 229-3531 External Research Program                          FAX: (970) 229-6198 3404 East Harmony Road Fort Collins, CO 80525-9599

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Arek, I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.         What I do is tie the larger of the two flies to the end of the         tippet, then tie a second tippet to the eye of the first fly.         The second tippet is usually about 18" long, and often of a         smaller diameter than the first tippet.  The second fly is         tied to the end of the second tippet.  This method does not         seem to have a significant effect on drift or hooking.         Tangles are almost impossible to avoid if a dropper is used.         Most casting tangles can be avoided with a bit of care, but         your ability to control the situation ends when a fish takes         one of the flies.  That’s when the worst tangles happen.                                         Tom Hewlett-Packard Laboratories                     Phone: (970) 229-3531 External Research Program                          FAX: (970) 229-6198 3404 East Harmony Road Fort Collins, CO 80525-9599

What we used to do for two flies, was use an extension of the heavier leader material to tie the dropper to. Sometimes you needed two or three x-ratings differential to assure you wouldn’t tangle. This required good knots where the two mono sizes were joined. Jim N.

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I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.

I use a surgeon’s knot to attach a tippet, and I tie one fly to each of the two tippet tails.  I leave one tail long (18") and one short (6"). I tie a big dry fly to the short tail and a nymph to the other.  Then I cast great big wide loops.  It works OK for me.  Yes the casting is a little laborious, but it is pretty exciting when you get two lunker dace  on at once! Keep your stick on the ice, Thos.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Arek, I have tried fishing two files, actually nymphs on on one line and I cannot find a right way, or right knot to use, so they will not tangle up all the time.         What I do is tie the larger of the two flies to the end of the         tippet, then tie a second tippet to the eye of the first fly.         The second tippet is usually about 18" long, and often of a         smaller diameter than the first tippet.  The second fly is         tied to the end of the second tippet.  This method does not         seem to have a significant effect on drift or hooking.         Tangles are almost impossible to avoid if a dropper is used.         Most casting tangles can be avoided with a bit of care, but         your ability to control the situation ends when a fish takes         one of the flies.  That’s when the worst tangles happen.

Hi Tom and Arek, I tie the second tippet to the bend of the first fly with an improved cinch knot and then tie the second fly on the end of the tippet. I usually use about 24" of tippet. I have experimented with using the heavier fly as the first or second fly. I think fewer tangles are encountered when the heavier fly is on the bottom. Again experiment with using the a dry fly as the first fly with a lightly weighted nymph, soft hackle, or a tiny dry fly as the second fly. The first fly serves as a fishing strike indicator. — Vic Brockett Vic’s Fly-By-Night http://www.navicom.com/~vic

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Question:

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http://www.execpc.com./~glsfc/fish-wisc.

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I am planning a trip to Mayville WI. sometime in the spring or summer. I want to do a little flyfishing need a little help on where to go in the area. Mayville is due south of Fond du Lac maybe 20 miles and west of Hywy 41 by about 10 or so. I havent been there for 30 years but want to combine a trip to visit relatives with some fishing. I live in Seattle and do mostly lake fishing here and I want to do river or stream fishing back there… My fishing is for small fish. Hopefully trout but bass or blugill would be OK. I am going to use a 8 ft. 5 wt. fly rod. I would really like to do only streams as that is what I want to learn. I will have to rent a car there so a hours drive would be just perfect. 2 hours would be pushing it but possible if the reward was there.

Martin:         Let me do a little thinking and map looking and I’ll get back to you. I’m not in that area but know of it and might be able to help. A couple of nice streams suggest themselves right off but I’d rather try to look first and advise later rather than mucking things up the other way around.         You know one of the problems with doing what you are thinking of doing can be best realized by imagining a guy coming to your area and trying to have a good time of it without a scintilla of the hard-won experience you’ve got as to where to go, when, using what equipment, flies, etc., etc. I.e., it might make sense to think about getting a guide if you can swing the dough? Even if only for a 1/2 day (if they go along with same); sometimes they can turn you on to just enough that you can take it from there.         But I’ll get back to you with what I can dig up about the area you’ll be visiting in any case. Tom Burczyk The workings of great institutions is mainly the result of a vast mass of routine, petty malice, self-interest, carelessness, and sheer mistake. Only a residual fraction is thought." Santayana

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Try this site: — http://www.execpc.com/~glsfc/fish_wi

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am planning a trip to Mayville WI. sometime in the spring or summer. I want to do a little flyfishing need a little help on where to go in the area. Mayville is due south of Fond du Lac maybe 20 miles and west of Hywy 41 by about 10 or so. I havent been there for 30 years but want to combine a trip to visit relatives with some fishing. I live in Seattle and do mostly lake fishing here and I want to do river or stream fishing back there. Any suggestions? Martin:         You might want to indicate what kind of fishing you are interested in. For steelhead/salmon on Lake Michigan’s tribs, or inland? Warmwater or cold? How far you willing to travel? tgb

My fishing is for small fish. Hopefully trout but bass or blugill would be OK. I am going to use a 8 ft. 5 wt. fly rod. I would really like to do only streams as that is what I want to learn. I will have to rent a car there so a hours drive would be just perfect. 2 hours would be pushing it but possible if the reward was there. Thanks for the suggestion.

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I am planning a trip to Mayville WI. sometime in the spring or summer. I want to do a little flyfishing need a little help on where to go in the area. Mayville is due south of Fond du Lac maybe 20 miles and west of Hywy 41 by about 10 or so. I havent been there for 30 years but want to combine a trip to visit relatives with some fishing. I live in Seattle and do mostly lake fishing here and I want to do river or stream fishing back there. Any suggestions? Martin — Martin Jensen

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I am planning a trip to Mayville WI. sometime in the spring or summer. I want to do a little flyfishing need a little help on where to go in the area. Mayville is due south of Fond du Lac maybe 20 miles and west of Hywy 41 by about 10 or so. I havent been there for 30 years but want to combine a trip to visit relatives with some fishing. I live in Seattle and do mostly lake fishing here and I want to do river or stream fishing back there. Any suggestions?

Martin:         You might want to indicate what kind of fishing you are interested in. For steelhead/salmon on Lake Michigan’s tribs, or inland? Warmwater or cold? How far you willing to travel? tgb

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Question:

Hi folks, After many years of letting my old fly rod sit in the closet I’ve got this urge to go out and do some fishing again. Wondering if anyone has any reccomendations for any spots to try within a couple of driving hours of the Chicago area for panfish and trout? Thanks! Mark Lakomski Hoffman Estates, IL

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: Hi folks, : After many years of letting my old fly rod sit in the closet I’ve : got this urge to go out and do some fishing again. Wondering if : anyone has any reccomendations for any spots to try within a couple : of driving hours of the Chicago area for panfish and trout? Thanks! : Mark Lakomski : Hoffman Estates, IL Well, i’d suggest checking out the site listed below. Most likely there is a lake within 15 minutes of you that you can fish for panfish.       Chicago Area Paddling/Fishing Page:  http://www.ripco.com/~jwn/

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Mark, Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from Chicago!! Good fishing Dennis

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Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                            ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing

Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

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David, I’ve had the same problem on the Kankakee.  Where are you finshing on the Fox?  I’m also new to the area, so any help will be appreciated. Bob McAnulty – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                            ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

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For a change of pace grab your fly rod (or spinning rod) and try fishing some of our other offerings in the Chicagoland area. The great lakes tributaries to Lake Michigan have excellent spawning runs for the following fish Chinook (King) Salmon Brown Trout (German) Coho Salmon Skamania Trout (Steelhead) Chambers Creek Trout (Steelhead) Ganaraska Trout (Steelhead) Just to name a few. Try the following rivers all within  1-3 hours from Chicago Wisconsin: Root River Milwaukee River Oak Creek Indiana: Trail Creek Salt Creek Michigan St. Joe River Black River Kalamazoo River Muskeegon River Cedar Creek White River The best fishing is a bit further in Michigan, and some of the best water in the nation Pere Marquete Little Manistee Big Manistee Baldwin River The Platte The Betsie In my opinion, you cann’t go wrong in Michigan. Tighten ‘em up, then release them. Tom Steele

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You mention possibly switching your interests to the Fox. It is excellent for smallmouth and other species. One of the very good, and well versed, sources for information on fly fishing this stream is Riverside Sports in Geneva.  The person to contact there is Tom Cebula who is only there on the weekends.  Others can give you excellent info on the river in general but Tom fly fishes it extensively and runs their fly fishing department. It is a full line shop and nice depth on the warm water stuff as well as trout/salmon. Their number is 630-232-7047. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Get a copy of American Angler July/Aug’96. The article on pg 43 is "KANKAKEE smallmouths" –  Blur-ribbon smallmouth fishing an hour from                       ^^^^ Chicago!! Good fishing Sometimes typos are revealing.  I just moved to the Chicago area from Portland, OR.  Saw the article before I came.  Don’t think you can hit the Kankakee and start nailing them.  It’s a big river, as I soon found out.   People in flyshops here are telling me that it’s a good idea to hire a guide to find fish the first time or two, and I believe them.  (Not that I’m going to.)  I’ve decided to spend some time, instead, exploring the Fox, which is a lot closer and has fair numbers of fish.  The day I went to the Kankakee recently, it was choked with bait fisherman, and *nobody* was catching–even though the river was supposed to be fishing hot.  Maybe you can dial it in over time, and it’s supposed to have bigger fish than the Fox, but it sure as hell didn’t look like the "Shangri La" it was depicted as in the article. (I’m obviously not dealing well with my relocation…) David

         Trent Roberson            Rx F Fish  For Your Good Health, Fly Fish URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

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Question:

I may be up in this area in a week or two. Any help on where to fish, local patterns etc, would be appreciated. Many thanks. — Scott Branyan Rogers, AR

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    I am a Colorado native and I have fished the South Platte and other rivers north of Denver extensively.  If you are in search of large fish then the Platte is a good destination as is the Blue river 1 hr west of Denver on I-70 in the town of Silverthorne.  If numbers of fish are what you want I suggest the Big Thompson or the Cache La Poudre rivers north of Denver and west of Loveland and Fort Collins respectively.      Back to the Platte.  This time of year is a nice time to fish this area.  In the heat of the day the fish are relatively inactive on the surface.  However, sometimes the weather changes or something else will cause a proliferation of some species of small mayfly or another.  These can usually be imitated with a generic blue wing olive size 16 or smaller.  There is usually sporadic action on the surface even in the absence of a hatch.  These being a small midge.  I tie my own and will discuss the pattern later. In the evenings you can almost always count on some caddis fly action.  The elk hair caddis size 16 or smaller being a good match. Through out the day small nymphs will also work.  I suggest size 18 or smaller pheasant tails, gold ribbed hairs ears, other mayfly larvae imitations, brassies, and buckskins.  You will notice that I have emphasized small patterns.  The majority of the aquatic life in the river is small.  The non aquatic life near the river is coming into full bloom at this time of the year.  Do not forget to take an assortment of grasshopper, beetle, ant, and other terrestrial imitations.  Some times these patterns will arose a fish when nothing else will.      The fishing pressure on the South Platte is extremely heavy due to its proximity to Denver.  Therefore the fish are extremely well educated.  When approaching the fish keep in mind the water is very clear.  If you can see them, they can see you.  Do not slosh and stomp around in this river.  If at all possible sneak up on your target fish.  This may include crawling on your hands and knees in the middle of the river so as to keep yourself low and slow moving.  I always enjoy watching people watch me as I crawl through 12 inches of water and then taking a nice 16 to 20 inch trout only ten feet away.  I emphasize the distance because a poor cast which splashes the water or otherwise alarms the fish will ruin your chances to catch the large fish.  Additionally the closer you are to the target fish the easier it is to hook and land them when they do take.      I personally like to fish around Deckers because the access is easy.  The river is accessible for several miles downstream of Deckers and the road runs right along the river.  Upstream of Deckers into the canyon is excellent fishing and is where the gold medal water is.  A short hike will take you into the canyon.  If possible I suggest fishing where people are not elbow to elbow. The whole river is excellent you do not have to fish in a crowd. Also, if possible fish on the week days.      I suggest a five weight rod.  This is my own preference.  Take a rod that you feel comfortable making accurate cast at short to moderate distances.  People claiming to cast the whole line and landing 5 lbs. plus trout are full of it.  The river is very cold even at this time of the year.  Take neoprene waders if you got em. Polarized sunglasses are a must.  The elevation in Colorado also makes sunscreen a must.      The midge pattern is a simple one.  Use a size 20 or 22 dry fly hook.  The body is green floss.  About 1/2 way to the eye put a small amount of dark green rabbit fur dubbing.  for a wing use a grey, light blue, or white polypropelyne.  Whip finish the head. This is a sparse pattern.  I use it as a dropper to a size 14 or 16 humpy or some other highly visible unsinkable dry fly.  This allows me to know where the midge is as it is about impossible to see past 10 feet.  If the midge sinks that is ok the fish don’t care.      Post your results I wish you good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I may be up in this area in a week or two. Any help on where to fish, local patterns etc, would be appreciated. Many thanks. — Scott Branyan Rogers, AR

Response:

Question:

Is it just me or is sea kayaking under going a rapid de-evolution ?    I can think of no other sport that is racing back to the future like it.   Skin boats,  thin wood paddles Greenland training techniques this stuff has been in use for 10,000 years .   Can any modern R.D dept. hope to come up with any thing that can withstand that test of time?

Response:

Is it just me or is sea kayaking under going a rapid de-evolution ?    I can think of no other sport that is racing back to the future like it.   Skin boats,  thin wood paddles Greenland training techniques this stuff has been in use for 10,000 years .   Can any modern R.D dept. hope to come up with any thing that can withstand that test of time?

 I would’nt go so far as calling it a "de-evolution", the same thing happens with just about every sport out there – equipment becomes more and more sophisticated and technologicaly advanced. The original creation that started the whole process becomes lost to history. Just because I want to build a Baidarka doesnt mean I want to hold the rest of the world back – I just want something different – something that you just dont see very often, but is also recogizable as a part of past history – which is what makes it so fun. This is the reason I fly fish instead of using the latest in bait casting reels(but I use both), I also shoot a recurve bow(but I also own a compound), and I shoot black powder ( but I also have the most modern of arms). I’d be willing to bet that the modern R&D shops can and do design kayaks and canoes that are light years more efficient and durable than past boats, but evolution is the way of the world, and what better way to evolve than to look back to the past to plan for the future?

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